“Mom!!!! I don’t feel so good” says your child from the couch. He or she is looking a little rough around the edges.
Your first thought is the normal, parent response. “It’s probably just a simple, common cold.”
Most parents have experienced this before. Sometimes your kids just need to lie down. Other times they just need to hydrate their bodies.
On the off-chance your child’s pain continues, you do what any parent would do. You seek the proper professional assistance.
That’s when you get the news. The doctor says “your child has glandular fever.”
What Is Glandular Fever?
Glandular fever, or Infectious Mononucleosis, is more commonly known as Mono, or the “kissing disease.” Mono is caused by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and usually remains in one’s body for life after catching it.
While EBV usually doesn’t cause further sickness, by the time one has become an adult, around 90 to 95 percent of people have been infected with EBV.
How Does Someone Get It?
Mono is spread from person to person through the contact of saliva. There are a number of incidents in which this can happen.
It can happen through kissing anyone with Mono. It can also happen if you put your mouth on something in which a previous person with Mono put their mouth on that item (i.e. a toy, pacifier, or shared teddy bear).
The Symptoms
There are a lot of different symptoms of Mono. They include severe tiredness or weakness, swollen tonsils or a sore throat, and a fever. They also include swollen lymph nodes on the sides and back of your neck, headache, loss of appetite, night sweats, and muscle aches.
How Do You Treat It?
Sadly, there is no vaccine to prevent Mono. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms. Before treating anything, remember to consult your healthcare professional for information in regards to any health issue.
Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever, while ibuprofen helps decrease the swelling. Make sure you consult your healthcare professional in regards to the proper amount of dosage. Also, depending on your age, it may not be safe to take certain medications.
In more serious cases, steroids or antibiotics can be prescribed.
Along with medication, it is imperative to get plenty of rest and hydrate. It’s also important not to strain the body with too much physical activity while sick.
Can I Prevent Spreading It?
Yes, you can. The easiest way to prevent the spread of Mono is to make sure no one infected with Mono has their saliva come in contact with anyone else’s saliva.
The best way to do this is to practice good hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands with warm water, and dry your hands off with a paper towel.
Take Care of Yourself
Mono can have a major impact on you and your loved one’s lives. It’s important to take care of your body.
If you or your loved ones are showing any of these symptoms, please don’t hesitate to visit us at State Urgent Care for a professional medical examination.